Vocational Training and Character Formation
Our work goes far beyond seminars and trainings.
The Road to the Top
Our Galaxy Event for STEP graduates each year is a dazzling display of talent and creativity. Dresses, wedding gowns, hairstyles, and stunning cosmetic creations are there for all to admire.
“I’m not going anywhere!”
Ajnur* came to STEP 4 following her sister, who had completed STEP Cycle 3 before her. Both were orphans on their father’s side, bonded not just by blood but by loss.
Everyone Deserves Access to Education
We are seeing a breakthrough in understanding that all deserve to have an opportunity to access education.
“I’m playing for my family.”
North Macedonia – STEP: Rrustem’s StoryRrustem joined us three years ago when the football project first began, and he has remained one of the chief “veterans” of the Skopje Eagles.
Mobile Tent Schools
In remote, seminomadic communities in Pakistan, the school year used to come to a halt during the seasonal migrations. Children missed out on up to seven months of education,
No One Talks to the Young Men
Another commented that no one talks to the young men about sexual education, and this was enlightening for them.
Finding Sunshine
In STEP vocational training, Azra is now part of the sewing group. She was already able to sew the most beautiful front pieces of embroidery at home and soon,
The Class of Transformations
The STEP class of this year has been a story of new beginnings.
Partnerships Transform Families
Sharif* grew up in a very conservative village. He was bullied at school by students and teachers. His family had heard of our partner’s Scholarship Program and their partnership with the local center to provide housing and support for students just like him.
Transforming Grief into Hope
Our work goes far beyond seminars and trainings.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Looking forward, we have our ears to the ground, to listen to the community and discern a path of hope into the future.
Together for the Neighbourhoods
One school director partner has been a pathfinder for Operation Mercy´s youth dimension of STEP in the toughest neighborhood in the city.
Underdogs
“When we have the breaks in the training programme, some of the boys catch me and want to talk about how things are going at home.
Character Affects Relationships
“Where did you learn gratitude? It seems that your teacher is teaching you some moral matters.”
A Tent School That Travels with the Shephard People
Over the past three years, through our Monitoring and Evaluation Program, our team has noticed that while enrollment in school is high in the five mountain villages that we work with,
Talent in the Room
The quality of training and product in all areas was professional; the standard had been raised.
Everyone Deserves Access to Education
Nahida likes to study but she never had a chance to go to a school because her parents always moved from one place to another. “I always had a desire to go to a school but I come from a shepherd family and in the summer we move up to high pastures with our livestock and we are not allowed to live in the village,” explains Nahida.
Ties that Bind
The STEP program helps women from the north side of the city literally take a step and to move forward together with others.
Character Affects Relationships
While attending a character development training, Heba was reminded of a past conflict with her manager and close friend at work. Once, while her manager was traveling,
Equipping the Next Generation
Working in partnership with local education institutions, more than 2,000 students go through various parts of the life skills program each year.